Maxing FFXI's Graphical Capabilities

[Mabubeezareel]

I recently put together a new build based on some recommendations found in this forum, and am now looking to get the absolute most out of FFXI while still being able to maintain a constant 29 FPS barring the obvious lagfests (Whitegate AH, Besieged, etc.). I'm looking for suggestions on settings related not only to FFXI specifically, but also to my hardware, such as video card settings and OCing (which I admit to knowing next to nothing at all about).

Here's all the pertinent info on my rig:

CPU: Intel C2D E8400 @ 3.0ghz
MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX
RAM: 2x G.SKILL 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
GPU: SAPPHIRE 100242L Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W ATX12V v2.2 and EPS12V 2.91
CASE: Antex 900
HDD: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s

All of the cooling is stock, but I think that I'lll be installing another fan on the side of the case. It already has 2x 120mm fans in the front, 1x 120mm fan in the back, and a HUGE 200mm fan on the top. It's also in a well-ventilated area so air flow is pretty good. CPU temps idle between 31° - 34° according to RealTemp. I've also set the fan speed manually on the video card to 45%, and it idles at 45° - 47° while still being very quiet.

Out of the box, my first scores on VanaBench 3 were ~8300. Since then, I've used CCC to force some high AA and AF values, and that dropped my score down to ~7500. I've since set AF to 8x and put AA back to "Use Application Setting", and my score is now back at ~8100.

Now, on to my FFXI settings, which are pretty much maxed for the most part. Background resolution is set to 2048x2048, smooth environmental animations, uncompressed textures, bump mapping off, mip mapping set to 4, draw distance set to 10, etc. I also leave weather effects on, but have shadows turned off.

With these current settings, I do get a pretty consistant 29 fps in most areas, but it does tend to dip down a bit from time to time. This occurs mainly in [S] areas, even without a Campaign battle going on. I just drop to 24-25 fps for no apparent reason, even with barely any PC or NPC models onscreen. Overall though, I have to admit that I'm pretty satisfied, but would like to be able to fulltime at least medium shadows, and do away (hoepfully) with the random dips in fps.

Given my current setup, can anyone recommend some tweaking that I can do to push FFXI a little bit further? As mentioned, I know pretty much nothing about OCing, but would be open to it.

[Amele]

stop using a square background res. modern cards don't benefit from it as much as older cards used to; disable mipmap since you shouldn't need it and FFXI's implementation is uh.. ugly. you should turn bump mapping on, it will improve the visual experience (better lighting effects on armor, dawn/dusk flashes etc) and will be virtually 'free' with your rig.

I would set background res to exactly 2x foreground res if I was you.

overclock your CPU and RAM and get a faster harddrive. (is about it) although the HDD will probably really only help with load times.

the random dips in fps are a side effect of the engine, it's a bad port. they happen even with crap graphics for most players. best you can do is minimize the dips.

[Mabubeezareel]

My foreground res is the same as my desktop, 1440x900, so I'll give 2880x1800 a try. I turned bump mapping off purposefully for two reasons though. First, I wasn't happy with some of the residual effects from using the lighting option in Windower. With lighting on, the colors on certain textures wouldn't blend properly. It was most noticeable in the caves that zone in from East/West Altepa. I can live without using lighting though, but my second (and more annoying) issue, was that objects in the distance would "sparkle." Seeing the background sparkle every time I moved was driving me nuts. I didn't know what was causing it at first, but found out that it was bump mapping, as turning it off got rid of the sparkling. Is there any way around that outside of disabling bump mapping?

As mentioned, I'm a complete newb when it comes to OCing. With my current cooling, how far would I be able to safely OC the CPU and RAM?

[Amele]

I don't know of a solution to that problem yet - I'm fairly confident it's windower created (I don't generally have issues when I'm playing full screen without windower like that - but I notice them too when windower is active.) but yeah go ahead and leave it off if the sparkle etc bothers you


before I can answer the second question I'd need to look into your chip a bit more closely. if it's like other intel's at that level, you could probably take the CPU itself to about 3.6gHz without issue although the ram may not keep up if you have to do it via FSB. (I suspect your core temps are reading 10C low though, but again I'd need to research it. alot of the chips from that line have the problem I'm suspecting though; it would depend on whether or not realTemp includes the correction values already etc.) just that 34C core temps under load is -way- low for stock cooling. do you know where the sensor you're measuring is located?

[durst]

The new 45nm intel cpu's do run around 35c with stock cooling in a antec 900 case, i have the same setup, you could push the chip to around 3.6ghz on stock cooling, just keep an eye on temps for a while afterwards if you do.

I currently have my E8400 clocked at 4.2ghz with a zalman cooler and arctic silver thermal compound, idles around 40c, as far as adding another fan to your sidepanel, it makes a pretty good difference, i'd say find the same fan as the rest of them if you can, i picked up a 120mm that is exactly the same as the ones that come in the antec 900.

It's also a pretty good idea to use a dust filter on the side fan, if you can find them, that sidepanel fan will cover your graphics card in dust every 1-2 weeks otherwise, your settings are pretty much matched to mine, i run 1680x1050 with bg res of 3360x2100, i use a HD3870OC video card btw, game usually runs smooth everywhere with shadows and weather on, with campaign as the exception, fps seems to always drop in the campaign areas no matter what you try.

I have drawdistance maxed out also, but i dont use windower, doubt that has anything to do with it though, i use a different program for distance plugin, ill run vanabench and compare the #'s once i have them, other than that with the resoultion as the exception, my settings are right on with yours, i run winXP btw, not sure if your using vista or not.

EDIT: vanabench3 on high, i scored a 8674.

[Amele]

The new 45nm intel cpu's do run around 35c with stock cooling in a antec 900 case, i have the same setup, you could push the chip to around 3.6ghz on stock cooling, just keep an eye on temps for a while afterwards if you do.

where are you measuring? there's no way you're getting 35C real core temps (the first gen 45nm's are low about 10C on their bus reported numbers due to an error in the set Tmax for the Junction sensor) I could believe a 35C measurement if you're measuring on the board under the chip, or if you didn't apply this correction, but not real temps on air at the core junctions themselves, sorry.

I've got a 45nm quad and I didn't come close to 35C idle on air once I include the temperature corrections to the cores. (that was a CuAl core air cooling) although I suppose the mobo sensor may have been there, since they tend to measure about 15C lower than the cores.

[durst]

EVEREST Ultimate Edition and the software that came with my mobo, i should also mention that a antec 900 moves ALOT of air, i think the PSU being on the bottom of the case away from the cpu makes a difference as well.

I always keep it around 60F in my room with the ac so that might help lower the temp by alot to, i dont think its a temp sensor issue, theres 2 sensors on this motherboard, 1 under the cpu and one right next to it, they stay pretty close and rarely jump much.

I also have one of the newer E8400's, not the first run ones that had the problems with the temp deal, who knows though, i suppose it could be wrong but i never have any problems with heat and it runs 24/7, cant really say much about a quad, but i would think 2 more cores would make it run a bit hotter than a dual core.

[Amele]

EVEREST Ultimate Edition and the software that came with my mobo, i should also mention that a antec 900 moves ALOT of air, i think the PSU being on the bottom of the case away from the cpu makes a difference as well.

I always keep it around 60F in my room with the ac so that might help lower the temp by alot to, i dont think its a temp sensor issue, theres 2 sensors on this motherboard, 1 under the cpu and one right next to it, they stay pretty close and rarely jump much.

I also have one of the newer E8400's, not the first run ones that had the problems with the temp deal, who knows though, i suppose it could be wrong but i never have any problems with heat and it runs 24/7, cant really say much about a quad, but i would think 2 more cores would make it run a bit hotter than a dual core.

It's a matter of temperature differentials and thermal transfer - having a 60F room makes a difference (most people have rooms 7C warmer than yours) but if you're measuring under the CPU that would explain why too.

I was assuming everyone was talking core temps (temp of the actual semi-conductor inside the chip) which is somewhat different. (basically it's the hottest part of the chip). Intel specs the safe operating temperatures based on these numbers, which is why I assumed we were talking those for OC.

as for the temperature error problem; where (and how) you're measuring you wouldn't encounter it, since the error is with the junction sensors and not any particular motherboard's. (you have a socket sensor in the 775LGA array and a motherboard sensor sitting next to the socket; I was using the 4 core sensors inside the chip itself)

I'm not at all surprised that you see the temps you claim in the room you're in measuring where you are, just be aware that the actual core temps are higher than socket temps by probably 10C (if not 15) - not that this is a problem, the design temp for load on the 45nms is like 65C and the safety cutouts are like 73C or something.

[Norellicus]

EVEREST Ultimate Edition and the software that came with my mobo, i should also mention that a antec 900 moves ALOT of air, i think the PSU being on the bottom of the case away from the cpu makes a difference as well.

I always keep it around 60F in my room with the ac so that might help lower the temp by alot to, i dont think its a temp sensor issue, theres 2 sensors on this motherboard, 1 under the cpu and one right next to it, they stay pretty close and rarely jump much.

I also have one of the newer E8400's, not the first run ones that had the problems with the temp deal, who knows though, i suppose it could be wrong but i never have any problems with heat and it runs 24/7, cant really say much about a quad, but i would think 2 more cores would make it run a bit hotter than a dual core.

Jesus balls man, how do you operate in a room that cold

[Xanthe]

Holy crap at keeping your room at 60F. I get cold if the temperature goes under 70 in the summer. I'd hate to see your electric bill. I tend to keep the thermostat at 72 in the summer and 68 in the winter (though my rent currently includes heat).

After reading through this thread I've reconsidered my choice for case in my upcoming build. I was set on a Thermaltake Tsunami, but after looking at the Antec 900 and after that the 1200, I definitely want the 1200. That cooling power with with such large fans looks amazing and quiet, especially considering I'm going to be throwing in a HD4870X2 into that case. My only dissapointment is it's steel and not aluminum.

[Amele]

Holy crap at keeping your room at 60F. I get cold if the temperature goes under 70 in the summer. I'd hate to see your electric bill. I tend to keep the thermostat at 72 in the summer and 68 in the winter (though my rent currently includes heat).

After reading through this thread I've reconsidered my choice for case in my upcoming build. I was set on a Thermaltake Tsunami, but after looking at the Antec 900 and after that the 1200, I definitely want the 1200. That cooling power with with such large fans looks amazing and quiet, especially considering I'm going to be throwing in a HD4870X2 into that case. My only dissapointment is it's steel and not aluminum.

I really like the P182 myself (of course, that's because I window-kitted a P182SE >.>) it'll take 4 120mm fans and has grommeted ports for an external waterblock if you prefer liquid cooling.

technically you can put in 5 120mm fans but the layout of the case (being an oversized mid) is such that you won't be able to fit the fifth fan with a card as big as the HD4870X2 is going to be.

[Xanthe]

I really like the P182 myself (of course, that's because I window-kitted a P182SE >.>) it'll take 4 120mm fans and has grommeted ports for an external waterblock if you prefer liquid cooling.

technically you can put in 5 120mm fans but the layout of the case (being an oversized mid) is such that you won't be able to fit the fifth fan with a card as big as the HD4870X2 is going to be.

Wow, that's a really nice case, too. The separate PSU chamber is a great idea. The stainless steel mirror finish would clash with the rest of my setup, but that's damn sexy.

[Amele]

Wow, that's a really nice case, too. The separate PSU chamber is a great idea. The stainless steel mirror finish would clash with the rest of my setup, but that's damn sexy.

I have a "modern" style desk set (glass and chrome) so it looks fantastic with my stuff. It's a bitch to keep smudge free though D:

taking a dremel to the side panel was a harrowing experience though it came out really nice.

[Shuemue]

e8400, idle at low 40's, 68c max under load, 3.6ghz with 9x multiplier and 400mhz fsb, ram at 2.0v, hd4850

10686 on vanabench thingy on high

[Mabubeezareel]

e8400, idle at low 40's, 68c max under load, 3.6ghz with 9x multiplier and 400mhz fsb, ram at 2.0v, hd4850

10686 on vanabench thingy on high

What's your experience ingame with a bench score that high? You've got basically the same setup as me (though OCed), and over 2000 points higher on the bench.

[Xanthe]

I have a "modern" style desk set (glass and chrome) so it looks fantastic with my stuff. It's a bitch to keep smudge free though D:

taking a dremel to the side panel was a harrowing experience though it came out really nice.

What PSU are you using? Some reviews I'm reading state that some PSUs' wires will come up short due to the size of the case. Might as well post your whole setup for comparison's sake (Sorry for hijacking the thread Mab ).

I'm building this as a performance gaming/media PC so it will be on display in my living room. My tables and stand are black metal with glass tops/shelves, though I suppose the case could work well given it still has a back top and trim. It'd look pretty hot next to my Samsung 52" 7 Series, too.

[Shuemue]

What's your experience ingame with a bench score that high? You've got basically the same setup as me (though OCed), and over 2000 points higher on the bench.

I only built it on Tuesday, FFXI isn't on there yet, I barely play tbh, I'll try and motivate myself to install it

[Amele]

What PSU are you using? Some reviews I'm reading state that some PSUs' wires will come up short due to the size of the case. Might as well post your whole setup for comparison's sake (Sorry for hijacking the thread Mab :().

I'm building this as a performance gaming/media PC so it will be on display in my living room. My tables and stand are black metal with glass tops/shelves, though I suppose the case could work well given it still has a back top and trim. It'd look pretty hot next to my Samsung 52" 7 Series, too.

those are some cheap PSU's o.o (it's only a midsized case, every PSU should have plenty of length unless you do some bizarre routing) these are what I use; this particular case has a 750W in it (red).

anyway:

ASUS P5E3 deluxe
Intel QX9650
gskill 2x2GB DDR3 1600 (7-7-7-18)
nvidia 9800GX2
mtron 32GB SSD (OS disk)
WD 500GB 7200rpm (data/application disk)
some old LG optical drives from the previous rig.

that's.. about it, a temp readout, some extra lighting, etc. the 9650 probably isn't worth getting unless you plan to water cool, I wasn't overly impressed with it on air (the Q6600s get almost as high and cost about 1/4th so you can afford to kill them much much faster) but on water it's amazing. (I've benched 400x13 but I tend to run closer to 400x11.5 normally) the primary advantage over non-extreme chips is that you have an unlocked multiplier.

edit: I haven't bothered to bench. I can if you'd like. - I'll underclock back to what I get on air if you'd like too. (since it sounds like you'll be building an air machine)

[Xanthe]

That's a really nice setup. How does that SSD for the OS work out for you? I'd never considered doing that before, mostly because it adds a hefty price tag.

Here's what I'm considering at the moment, but naturally it keeps evolving.

Antec P182SE
Enermax MODU82+ EMD625AWT 625W ATX12V Ver 2.3 Power Supply
ASUS Rampage Extreme X48 ATX (combo deal with processor)
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 2.83 GHz
Zalman 9700 HSF
G.Skill 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1600
SAPPHIRE RADEON HD 4870 X2
Seagate Barracuda 1 TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s AS
Pioneer Blu-Ray Combo SATA
Logitech Dinovo Edge 2

[Amele]

the SSD is amazing (I put a couple favorite smaller games on it too) it's a trivial test but a great example of what it does for OS speed:

I can cycle from OS to shutdown to boot up to login to OS in under 30 seconds. (edit: and when I say OS I mean fully loaded and waiting for commands, not 'desktop visible but no start menu wait for eternity etc')